Hillary Wright-Kaufman
Dec 11 2025 6:45 PM

(SPRINGFIELD, Ky.) – Holly Medley, an LBD Special Education Math teacher at Washington County High School, was awarded the 2025-2026 Smart/Maher Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) National Citizenship Education Teacher Recognition Award by the local Marple Caldwell VFW Post 5910 in Lebanon. Medley was recognized at the VFW Post 5910’s award presentation during its monthly meeting this week. Founded in 1899, the VFW is a nonprofit veterans service organization consisting of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces. Each year, the organization supports the education of America’s youth through its Teacher Award Program, selecting elementary, middle and high school teachers to participate in the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Program.

Medley is a 2003 graduate of WCHS and earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Secondary Education from Campbellsville University in 2007. She later earned a Master of Arts in Special Education in Learning and Behavior Disabilities with Teacher Leader endorsement from CU in 2014, and then earned Moderate and Severe Disabilities (MSD) Special Education endorsement in 2018 from Georgetown College. She earned an Education Specialist (Principal P-12) degree from the University of the Cumberlands earlier this year. She began her teaching career in Trimble County, where she taught Algebra I, Algebra II and Consumer/Business Math, before returning to WCHS in 2011. She taught math at WCHS until 2017 when she switched to FMD Special Education for seven years. She now serves as an LBD Special Education Math co-teacher at WCHS. Additionally, she serves as head coach of the WCHS Commanderette Softball team, and as a co-sponsor of the WCHS Beta Club.

Holly Medley

“Being recognized by the VFW truly means a great deal to me; this award feels especially meaningful because it comes from an organization built on service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to others,” said Medley. “To be honored by individuals who have given so much for our country is humbling. It reminds me that the work I do in the classroom and through Beta Club matters. It inspires me to continue serving my students and community with the same dedication and integrity the VFW represents.”

Medley (left) is pictured here with WCHS principal Charlie Cox at the VFW's award ceremony earlier this week. (Photo provided)

“It is my great honor to congratulate Mrs. Holly Medley on being selected for the 2025–2026 Smart/Maher Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) National Citizenship Education Teacher Recognition Award,” said Charlie Cox, principal at WCHS. “Mrs. Medley consistently goes above and beyond to ensure her students feel supported, valued, and capable of success. She creates a classroom environment built on trust, encouragement, and high expectations - an environment where students not only learn math, but also learn confidence, perseverance, and respect. What makes this award especially meaningful is that it honors educators who model and promote the values of citizenship, service, and community responsibility. Mrs. Medley embodies these ideals. She serves her students, her colleagues, and our school community with humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment. Her work reflects the same spirit of service that the VFW stands for, and we are incredibly proud to see her recognized by such a respected organization.”